After thinking about this match for a day or two the phrase, "curate's egg", just won't go away. My thoughts:
1. A win's a win. Can't get much better than that, especially due to a microscopically scored try in the 83rd minute.
2. I've been watching rugby in Australia for, about, 50 years. In that time I'm continually bemused how we haven't learnt how to commit an adequate number of forwards (or others) to a breakdown to ensure we secure our ball, or put pressure on our opponents'. To watch the Bokke pigs march the pill up the paddock and note Stephen Moore standing next to said maul (to what end Christ only knows) astounds me. Did he learn this technique from Al Baxter, perhaps? The hesitation in our commitment to the breakdown cost us dearly in the first 50 minutes, something I sincerely hope TGC will rectify instantly.
On this point I've watched forwards bludging at the breakdown all the way from under 12s at schoolboy level through Colts and grade and up to Super Rugby and tests. Until we learn to enjoy commitment at the tackle/maul/ruck we won't win too many more RWCs.
3. Hooper played like a man possessed with outstanding tackling, linking and running, while Pocock was the usual beast at the coal-face when an arm-wrestle was required to secure competed ball. That result notwithstanding I WOULDN'T PLAY THEM TOGETHER AGAIN! The balance in the Bokke back-row should be a lesson in effectiveness: Louw and Berger were magnificent. They complemented each other very well (and probably attracted post-match compliments for their play.....). TGC has to decide whose style of play's required for individual opponents and select accordingly. I can see benefits from either player coming on late in a match with both Hooper's speed and Pocock's physicality potential match-winners, but I'd like to see a more balanced back row run on. There again, who'd be a selector.
4. The scrum went OK, just. The age-old Aussie habit of meerkatting bit us on the arse a few times, I suspect TGC will have stern words to offenders. The few times the scrum was screwed and pinged looked like it was the LH side; is Slipper carrying an injury? I suspect he is, and should be sent to the infirmary post-haste to ensure he's fixed for the RWC.
5. A coupla players had quiet games: Kepu, Skelton and Higginbotham. Keps must have clocked up a million miles this year and should be carefully managed. Big Willie's still coming to terms with the pace of test rugby with his huge frame; he, too, should also be judiciously paced in the RC. Higgers was very disappointing, is he up to test rugby?
6. The halves were adequate, considering our ruck/maul ball wasn't as secure as it should be. Genia started with some confident play and good decision-making. Then the dreaded pre-passing steps crept in, to be followed by a coupla box kicks. I honestly felt the quality Genia was reappearing in the first half; did the wounded knee affect his battle for the ball? Cooper probably tried a bit too hard to play a wide game too early, as is his want. With Fardy, Hooper, Kuridrani and Folau following play around maybe a tighter game would work better. Play looked a lot crisper and more direct when Phipps came on with his lightning quick sprints to the breakdown and instant passing. A lesson to all young scrummies.
For just one match could we please see Phipps, Cooper and To'omua at 9/10/12? I'd love to see how well Quade'd fare with fast ball.
7. The quality of the reserves was very encouraging for the immediate future of the Wallabies. How long has it been since that could be said?
8. The wingers for the first test undoubtedly justified their selection following on from their Super season. But, I'd dearly like to see one winger with searing pace, which neither Horne nor AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) possess. Rob's a crucial part of the defence when the backs move from attack to defence phase, if anyone can be trusted to flatten Nonu or Roberts or any other big bruiser aiming to burst through the midfield it's Rob Horne (not that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s a slouch when it comes to tackling, but Horne's better). AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) must be the perfect outside back reserve. If either Tomane or Speight put on a good show when they get the opportunity I'd be delighted.
9. My last comment's directed to those supporters in gold from north of the Tweed, and I do so carefully. If that match wasn't testament to what a shithouse job RG's done with his charges the last few years, well, nothing is. With just a few sessions from TGC Genia and Horwill showed glimpses of the players they were, and still could be if they'd been motivated and inspired this year. I suspect there isn't enough time to bring them both up to speed, which is a shame. And a concluding reason to sack RG tomorrow. It is absolutely imperative for the health of Australian rugby the two biggest unions continue to develop their squads and produce competitive teams. Like many Tahs supporters I was very critical of the coaching staff during the Hickey/Foley era, just as many are now of RG and his assistants. Reds HQ, please fix this instantly if not sooner.
